Ch. 1111..1120

Chapter 1111

Chapter 1111

Zuko coughed twice and said through gritted teeth, "You talk too much."

Toph smiled and asked, "Zuko, are you worried that Pammy won't be able to accept this reality? After all, her new family is treating her well." Zuko paused for a moment and reluctantly admitted, "I do have that concern.

"I'm also worried that if Lina doesn't want to return to the Thompsons, it'll be a significant blow to Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda."

"Yeah, that's true." Toph nodded. "So we need to take this slow."

...

Meanwhile, Melvin paced back and forth in the villa. He noticed a trinket on the windowsill that displeased him and angrily threw it against the wall.

"That b*tch!"

The housekeepers and servants stood still, afraid to approach him, unsure of whom he was referring to.

Melvin panted heavily.

He couldn't blame anyone else for this matter. He had underestimated his own daughter!

He didn't expect Renee to be just like her mother-appearing harmless on the surface but more scheming than anyone else!

Now, she had helped the Hamerton brothers uncover the whereabouts of Pamela, and she had also exposed Gia's identity...

They would come after him next!

Melvin clenched his fists tightly, veins popping on his forehead.

He gripped his phone tightly, dialed a number, and forcefully enunciated each word, "You find a way for me... Don't let Pamela's identity be exposed all the way to Centrolis!"

Gia remained silent for a moment and let out a light snort. "Mr. Thompson, the Hamerton brothers are in Jangasas now. I can't get close to Pamela or Renee."

"I don't care! You caused this mess! You damn well better solve it for me!"

Melvin's anger turned into rage, and he almost crushed the phone in his hand.

Gia tightened her grip.

"Ms. Chapman, you're helping me for the money." Melvin sneered. "But now I feel like I'm not getting the proper return for what I've paid! So... either you solve it for me, or I'll solve you!" "Mr. Thompson-"

"That's final!" Melvin's words brooked no opposition. "I don't care what method you use, even if you f*cking seduce Zuko and separate the two of them! In any case, Lina Jenner cannot appear in Centrolis!" Gia's heart thumped, and she ground her teeth.

She was under Melvin's control and hated Lina to the core.

In fact, she wished Lina would disappear from this world more than Melvin did. However, with Zuko constantly by Lina's side, hardly leaving her alone, she had no chance to make a move.

Gia furrowed her brows as Melvin's last words echoed in her ears.

'Seduce Zuko? Fine!'

If seduction didn't work, she would resort to other means!

It would be even better if Lina caught them in bed together!

Given that girl's character, she would never want a man who had been sullied. Even if Zuko carried her on a golden ride to Centrlois by then, she wouldn't budge.

Gia curled her lips, a trace of malice crossing her eyes. Before implementing this plan, she needed to probe first.

Melissa's injuries were slowly healing.

During this period, Lina had been attentively taking care of her in the hospital ward. Melissa felt increasingly guilty and deeply moved. Late at night, it felt like insects were gnawing at her heart. One day, when Lina went home to change clothes, a car sped past her as she passed by a small alley near her house!

It had rained the night before, and there were many puddles on the uneven road. The car went straight through the puddles without even braking, splashing Lina with water. Lina exclaimed and instinctively moved backward, but she still ended up soaked.

She calmed herself down and was about to see who the despicable driver was when she noticed the familiar red luxury car stopping ahead, its two red taillights provocatively lit up.

Chapter 1112

Chapter 1112

Lina froze as she recognized the license plate-it belonged to Gia's car. She bit her lips, ready to confront her, but the car quickly drove away, turning a corner and disappearing. Zuko heard the noise and rushed outside. When he saw Lina drenched, he felt both distressed and guilty. "I should have picked you up from the hospital!"

"It's alright." Lina chuckled lightly. "Who would have expected a car to appear out of nowhere in broad daylight?"

"Did you see the license plate?"

Lina's gaze dimmed, and she whispered, "It was Gia's car."

Zuko was startled, finding it strange. Was Gia trying to target Lina? Was splashing water on her worth making such a fuss about? There must be another reason behind it!

"Zuko, I really don't understand... Why would she treat me like this?" Although Lina was not as heartbroken as before, this incident still cast a shadow on her and left her unable to let go. She had treated Gia sincerely as a friend, but it all seemed to be wasted.

"Don't think too much about it." Zuko looked at the soaked woman in front of him. "Go back, take a hot shower, change into clean clothes, and then..."

Then, he suddenly froze.

When Lina turned around, her wet clothes clung to her body, revealing a glimpse of her clean waist. Zuko's heart seemed to skip a beat as he stared at her in a daze.

"Zuko?" Lina turned to look at him. "Why are you standing there like that?"

Only then did Zuko come to his senses.

This was the purpose behind Gia intentionally splashing water on Lina!

"Zuko?"

"Oh, what's wrong?" He regained his composure and gently took her small hand as he smiled at her. "Let's go back quickly. After you change into clean clothes, have a good sleep at home. I'll go to the hospital and take care of your mother for you."

Lina didn't think too much about it and entered the house with him.

Perhaps Lina had been too tired these past few days. After taking a shower and changing clothes, she lay on the bed and quickly fell asleep.

Zuko quietly locked the door and walked to the corner of the alley.

Sure enough, the red luxury car was parked there. His face turned grim, and he quickly approached. Gia suddenly appeared from behind the wall.

"Mr. Hamerton." She took off her sunglasses, smiling brightly.

Zuko gave her a cold glance, and his words were icy. "What do you want?"

"I just wanted to tell you that I already know about Ms. Renee's connection with you. You came to Jangasas to investigate me and find the real Ms. Thompson, right?" Gia slowly approached Zuko, and the strong scent of her perfume made him uncomfortable.

"But I wanted to remind you today that the direction of your investigation may be wrong!"

"Is that so?" Zuko sneered. "So, you want to remind me that Lina doesn't have that birthmark?"

"Exactly."

"Ms. Chapman." A chilling glint flashed across Zuko's face. "You even knew about the birthmark on Pamela Thompson? So, you and Melvin have been colluding for a long time?"

"You..."

Gia's face turned pale, barely able to withstand Zuko's formidable aura.

"Right or wrong, a birthmark alone doesn't prove anything." Zuko smirked. "As long as I have her tested, we'll know everything.

"However, Ms. Chapman, your situation will be quite dangerous."

Zuko's eyes flickered with an icy glimmer, and his intimidating presence instilled fear in others.

Chapter 1113

Chapter 1113

Toph took Renee back to Centrolis and escorted her all the way home. He only bid her farewell at the entrance of the Thompson residence. He would have liked to stay a bit longer at the Thompsons if he had not needed to attend a dinner with his parents.

Toph instructed her before leaving, "Renee, don't disclose anything about Pammy to Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda yet. My brother said we need to handle this matter carefully."

"Okay, I understand." Renee lightly bit her lip. She knew this feeling. When Melvin suddenly appeared and claimed to be her father, it felt like lightning struck her from above. If just the appearance of a biological father was so shocking, she could only imagine how painful it would be for Pammy to find out that her home for the past 20 years was not truly her own.

"Alright, hurry back!" Toph smiled, his gaze filled with reluctance. Renee waved to him several times before slowly entering through the mansion gates.

However, as soon as she stepped into the courtyard, a large hand suddenly reached out and forcefully covered her mouth! Renee was startled, trying to scream, but no sound came out. Frail as she was, she was easily dragged to the back wall of the villa by that person!

Renee struggled desperately and finally saw the person's face...

"You..."

"Renee, Daddy is very unhappy with your disobedience!"

Renee felt weak as she trembled with her back against the icy wall.

Melvin's expression turned wicked, and a cold gleam flashed in his eyes. He grinned, revealing a sinister smile like a ferocious beast baring its fangs before attacking. "Did you have a good time during your trip to Jangasas?"

Renee's trembling lips could not utter a single word.

"Aren't you afraid of facing the consequences of helping outsiders scheme against your father?"

"I... I'm not afraid." Renee remained silent for a moment before she spoke with her voice trembling. "You've done so many terrible things. If you turn back now, perhaps Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda will forgive you out of family ties. But if you remain stubborn-"

"Shut up!"

Melvin raised his hand suddenly, and Renee let out a startled cry, instinctively protecting her face.

Despite that, his slap did not land on her face.

A cold, sinister smile appeared at the corner of Melvin's lips. He paused his hand in mid-air for a few seconds before finally pinching her hard on the inside of her arm!

Tears streamed down Renee's face uncontrollably as she looked at him in agony. She still had to meet Nicholas and Linda later. How could she go with her face all bruised? The painful pinch would not be visible to others since she was wearing a long-sleeved shirt.

"Let me tell you. Don't think I'm unaware of the things you've done!" Melvin warned harshly in her ear, "I've already found a suitable kidney donor for your mother with all the necessary conditions perfectly matched. But now... I don't intend to give it to her anymore!"

Renee looked up in shock.

"Heh! You thought Toph Hamerton would be your savior?" Melvin sneered. "You little sl*t... You couldn't be more wrong!

"A kidney donor is not something you can have just because you want it! Neither the Hamertons nor the Thompsons can find a suitable match in such a short time!

"And if your wretched mother doesn't have this kidney, who knows how much longer she can hold on?"

Renee burst into tears, clutching his clothes, and slowly knelt on the stone floor before him.

"Please, I beg you... Please let my mother have the surgery!"

"Aren't you relying on the Hamertons? Then let the two Hamerton heirs give that wretched woman her surgery!" "Dad..." Renee struggled to call him that.

She knelt on the ground, crying miserably yet afraid to cry out loudly and alarm the other members of the Thompsons. Upon hearing her call him "Dad," Melvin showed no signs of being moved, but a cold smirk crept onto his lips.

Chapter 1114

Chapter 1114

The wretched girl knew her place-this word was the best leverage.

"Dad!" Renee pleaded desperately. "Dad, I'll do anything you say... Please, save my mom!"

"Will you truly do anything I say?"

"Yes..."

"Then help me get what I want!"

Melvin dropped these words coldly and kicked her away before striding out of the room.

Enduring the pain in her knees, Renee struggled to stand up. She wiped away her tears, calming herself, and slowly made her way to the living room.

Linda had already set a table full of dishes to welcome her. "Pamela!"

Renee paused, forcing herself to put on a natural smile.

Approaching warmly, Linda reached out, but Renee lowered her head, avoiding her reluctantly.

It felt like a bucket of cold water poured over Linda's head. Her arms froze mid-air, and a trace of sadness flashed across her face. "Pamela..."

Renee took the initiative to speak first. "Auntie, I brought you a gift from Jangasas."

Linda's heart clenched tightly as joy and pain rushed in simultaneously. She was happy because Pamela had never voluntarily talked to her since her return, but she actually spoke up today. She was sad that it was not the long-awaited "Mom" she hoped for but rather a distant "Auntie".

However, the fact that her daughter spoke up first was still a positive sign.

Linda forced a smile and held Renee's hand, leading her to the dining table. "These are all your favorite dishes... Did you miss home-cooked meals while you were in Jangasas?" Renee tightly pursed her lips, avoiding eye contact, and nodded forcefully.

Linda gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind Renee's ear. "Pamela, your father and I have discussed it, and we believe... we should still give you a portion of the shares first."

"-"

"Don't refuse so quickly!" Linda pressed her hand and pulled out a contract. "We only have you as our daughter, but we, as your parents, have been absent from your life for 20 years. We truly don't know how to compensate you!"

"It's not necessary." Renee's eyes suddenly turned red. "Really, it's not necessary..."

"

"Pamela, listen to me." Linda smiled. "Sign this document! After all, the entire Thompson Group will be yours in the future. What's the difference between signing now or later?"

"Yes!" An eerie peal of laughter suddenly came from outside the door.

Renee trembled and turned to see Melvin slowly approaching them.

He wore a smile on his face, but it didn't reach his eyes. Even his wrinkles carried a sense of scheming.

Linda stood up to greet him and asked the maid to bring another set of cutlery.

"No need!" Melvin smiled. "I heard that Pammy came back today, so I came to see her personally."

Renee mustered all her strength to control herself, so her trembling wouldn't be too obvious. She watched Melvin approach her, clearly seeing the cold gleam in his eyes. She felt his palm suddenly pat her shoulder forcefully, pressing down hard, and heard his low voice in her ear.

"Our Pamela is such a good girl, going on a trip and still remembering to bring a gift for her mother!"

He emphasized the word "mother," and Renee bit her lip tightly to prevent her tears from falling.

"Oh, what's this?" Melvin pretended to pick up the contract. "Hah! Linda, Pamela has been refusing to sign, right? You and Nicholas haven't given up, huh!?"

Chapter 1115

Chapter 1115

"Yeah." Linda smiled. "We don't want to shortchange our daughter, but she..."

"Pamela, you're mistaken!" Melvin squinted. "You should accept what your parents give you. It's a matter of respect as a child!"

Renee clenched her fists tightly, then slowly relaxed them. She remained silent for a moment before gently accepting the document.

Linda's eyes brightened, and she flashed a joyful smile.

"Well, I'll sign it," Renee said softly. "But can I take a closer look at it first?"

"Of course!" Linda quickly agreed. "You can go back to your room and examine it carefully after dinner. Take as much time as you need. If you need the help of a lawyer, I have suitable contacts here!" "Linda, I know a few good lawyers who can "

"No need!" Renee suddenly raised her head.

Melvin was taken aback. Although she still looked timid, he clearly saw a wash of determination in her eyes during that moment of eye contact.

He was somewhat surprised and silently observed her.

"I don't need your recommendation, Uncle Melvin." Renee took a deep breath and looked at Linda. "Let's use the lawyers from our own company. After all, everyone is in the same company, and they're familiar with the business."

Melvin's eyes flashed with anger. "Pamela, the lawyers in your parents' company handle important matters! Don't bother them with such trivial issues!"

"This... shouldn't be considered trivial," Renee calmly said. "In the future, the entire Thompson Group will be mine. For now, I should better understand its personnel and business. I can start by getting to know the lawyers."

"You..." Melvin's face changed.

Could it be that this girl wanted to keep everything for herself? He didn't dare show any hints of it in front of Linda.

He clenched his fists and sneered. "Fine, whatever Pamela says! Well then... study this document carefully!"

...

A few days later, while Zuko was in the store, he received a scanned document. It was the document Linda wanted Renee to sign.

He read through it from beginning to end and found a loophole.

Just then, Toph called. "Hey, Zuko!"

Zuko straightforwardly asked him, "What's the deal with this document?"

"It's what Aunt Linda insisted on having Renee sign!"

"But it... doesn't seem right."

Toph chuckled. "Your observation skills are impressive! You noticed something was off after reading it once."

"What's really going on?" Zuko asked. "Why convert the shares into overseas assets and insist on payment in foreign currency?"

"This was Renee's idea!" Toph replied. "Renee requested to inherit this portion of the shares in the form of overseas assets. That's her only requirement for signing."

Zuko pondered for a moment and understood.

Similar cases had occurred before. Previously, a minor shareholder of the Hamerton Group had also requested the same thing because they wanted to emigrate, but the process was cumbersome.

It took a long time with complex procedures that could take one or two years.

Renee deliberately wanted to delay the process!

"Bro, now you understand Renee's intentions, right?" Toph rarely spoke in such a low and serious tone. "Renee... She truly is a nice girl. She doesn't dare to go against Melvin's wishes but still wants to return everything to Pammy."

"So, Zuko..."

"So, it's time to tell Lina the truth." Zuko's voice grew low, feeling much relieved after saying that.

Chapter 1116

Chapter 1116

Toph asked in a low voice, "Are you really sure that Lina is Pammy?"

"Yes," Zuko replied with confidence.

Toph knew his brother always spoke with absolute certainty.

"Previously, when Lina went to Southeast Aciatic, there was a medical report at Uncle Carter's place," said Zuko.

"What?" Toph exclaimed in surprise.

"It's quite a coincidence. A few days ago, Uncle Nicholas underwent a medical examination at the joint hospital due to work pressure and burnout. I secretly arranged for a sample of his test to be kept, and..."

Toph listened in astonishment from the other end of the line. "So, they're biological father and daughter?"

"99.99%," Zuko calmly stated. "Do you think any pair of non-biological father and daughter would yield such a result?"

Toph remained stunned for a while. After regaining his senses, he marveled at the unpredictability of fate, the wonders of destiny, and the arrangements of life.

After hanging up, Zuko contemplated telling Lina first or talking to Jesse and Melissa.

Just then, Lina entered the supermarket listlessly.

"What's wrong?" Zuko hurried over and took out the most expensive drink from the refrigerator.

Lina glanced at him and accepted the drink with a helpless smile. "This is the most expensive one! If you keep doing business like this, we might as well close up the shop!"

"I think we can." Zuko spoke earnestly. "Close the shop, and it'll be just the two of us. Then, I can do something I love-"

"Zuko!"

Lina's face turned red. She hated it when he wore such a serious expression while saying frivolous words.

Zuko laughed and hugged her waist, looking at her tenderly. "You look unhappy. What happened?"

"I'm not unhappy, just a little worried," Lina said softly. "My mom needs to do a medical examination before she's discharged from the hospital, and we'll receive the report today." "Oh..." Zuko's expression became complicated. "What are you worried about?"

"I'm worried that the result might say something... since my mom's getting old. Ugh, forget it. It's all nonsense!"

However, Lina couldn't shake off the feeling of uneasiness that rarely troubled her.

It was as if her heart was hanging by a thread, and that thread could break at any moment, but she didn't know when.

Lina gently leaned against Zuko's chest and reached out to hold his hand, listening to his heartbeat, which somewhat reassured her.

Zuko caressed her hair and softly said, "It's okay. The report will come out this afternoon. I'll go to the hospital with you."

"Okay."

"Don't worry. She's usually healthy. All the indicators will surely be normal."

Despite what Zuko said, he had a nagging feeling that something wasn't right.

Perhaps everything would end this afternoon, and perhaps everything would start from this afternoon.

...

Jesse followed the nurse to the doctor's office. As soon as he entered, he broke into a cold sweat at the sight of the doctor's serious face.

"Mr. Jenner?" The doctor pushed the test report in front of him. "Your wife needs a further detailed examination."

"What... What does that mean?" Jesse stammered, thinking the hospital was trying to scam them with unnecessary tests.

"Based on the medical report, her condition is not optimistic," the doctor said, tapping on the table. "Of course, we need to wait for further examination results to come up with specific treatment plans."

"Huh?"

The doctor continued, looking at Jesse. "Mr. Jenner, as long as your wife undergoes timely surgery and chemotherapy, her condition won't be too severe."

Jesse's ears buzzed, and his mind went blank.

Chapter 1117

Chapter 1117

Jesse walked out of the doctor's office, his steps feeling as if he were walking on cotton. As soon as he opened the door, he saw Melissa standing outside, causing his eyes to widen. Without much thought, he quickly put on a smile and said, "Honey, why are you here? Your test results are normal, you..."

Melissa's eyes were red, and her voice trembled as she asked the doctor, "How much time do I have left?"

The doctor adjusted his glasses and truthfully replied, "Breast cancer is a complicated condition, and your cancer cells have already spread. You can extend your life by about five years with surgery and subsequent chemotherapy."

"Five years?" Melissa stood frozen in place.

Concerned that she couldn't handle it, Jesse hurriedly stepped forward and held her, saying, "Honey, it's okay... It's just a small surgery. We can remove the cancer cells from your body, and everything will be okay, right?"

Melissa then asked, "How much will it cost?"

"Why are you asking about this!?" Jesse grew anxious. "No matter how much it costs, we'll—"

"I asked the doctor, not you!" Melissa yelled.

Jesse was taken aback and immediately fell silent.

The doctor looked at her and said softly, "Mrs. Jenner, you need further examinations before we can provide you with a treatment plan. As for the specific cost, we can only determine that in the treatment plan. But it will indeed be a significant amount. You need to be mentally prepared."

"We are prepared!" Jesse hastily said, "Doctor, please proceed! Regardless of the cost, we'll have it!"

"Alright, let's go back now." Melissa, however, became unusually calm.

Jesse followed behind her in a daze.

This woman who had been by his side for half of his life seemed to have never been more determined than at this moment.

"Honey-"

"I'm not getting treated."

Once they returned to the hospital room, Melissa calmly uttered the words.

Under normal circumstances, Jesse would have thought she was throwing a tantrum with her fiery temper.

Despite that, Melissa, without any fuss, calmly packed her things to prepare for discharge. She changed out of the hospital gown, efficiently packed her belongings, and only when she finished all this did she walk up to the dumbfounded Jesse.

"I won't seek treatment." Her voice carried no emotional fluctuations. "The savings, the house, and the shop should be divided, as I mentioned last time. The old house and the supermarket go to Lina, and the apartment and savings go to you and Dave. After I'm gone, you..."

Before Melissa finished speaking, she furrowed her brows and looked at the tearful man in front of her with some disdain.

"Why are you crying as if I'm dead?"

Jesse froze, stopped crying, and chuckled.

Melissa rolled her eyes several times, frustrated with his lack of decisiveness, and lightly smacked him a couple of times. "You! When will you ever act like a man!? Jesse Jenner, this family will rely on you from now on, you know?"

Jesse nodded, choking up with tears flowing again when he heard her say that.

In his view, he would still treat his wife's illness even if it meant spending all their fortune. However, he understood Melissa. She loved money so much that she would never agree to it.

"Emptying our pockets just to gain five more years of life? It's not worth it!" Melissa smiled openly. "It's better to leave that money to our children. While I'm still alive, let Lina and Zeke get married quickly. Transfer the supermarket and the house to her name, and then I can rest assured."

"But honey..." Jesse choked on his words, and Melissa tightly held his hand.

She was the one who was sick, yet she was also the one comforting him.

"Don't worry. I know my own body." She chuckled lightly. "Don't listen to the doctor. What do they know about cancer cells spreading? I'm doing fine! And I've heard that 80% of a person's illness is in their mind! As long as I maintain a positive attitude, I might live for many more years!"

Jesse wiped away his tears, afraid to speak and provoke her anger.

Melissa continued. "Oh, by the way, don't let the children know about this."

"Okay..."

"Especially Zeke! What if he thinks I'm a burden to Lina and doesn't want to marry her anymore?"

"He won't. Zeke's a good man! He even donated blood to you when you got injured."

"That's a different matter!" Melissa blinked. "Are men ever not practical? Zeke is not stupid!"

Chapter 1118

Chapter 1118

"Well..."

"For whatever it's worth, he shouldn't know! Let's keep it a secret until he officially marries Lina!"

Jesse always listened to his wife, and this matter was no exception. He would keep it to himself if she didn't allow him to tell others. He would even hold her down on the operating table if she refused treatment to stop the doctors from performing surgery. All he could do now was take care of her and be there for her on this final journey, ensuring she lived a happy and fulfilled life.

Jesse's heart ached, and he tightly clenched his fists.

Soon, Zuko and Lina arrived. As Lina entered, she sweetly called out, "Mom!"

Melissa welcomed her with a smile as if nothing was wrong.

"I told you there was no need to come and pick me up from the hospital. I've already packed up," Melissa said.

"It's Zeke who insisted on coming for you!" Lina whispered in Melissa's ear. "How about it? Isn't your son-in-law filial?"

"Of course!" Melissa patted her face. "You're all good and filial children. I chose this son-in-law for you!"

Lina smiled shyly, and Melissa quietly looked at her for a while as if wanting to remember her appearance forever. She had never felt this way before, but every time she closed her eyes today, all she saw was Lina from childhood to adulthood.

Melissa thought she would spend the rest of her life in peace, but time passed so quickly that she was now about to leave this world.

She looked at Lina and softly said, "Take your father to buy a pack of cigarettes! He hasn't smoked for the past few days, and I don't know where the shops are around here. He's almost going crazy!"

Lina nodded in agreement, but Zuko sensed that Melissa wanted to talk to him privately. When they were alone in the room, he asked, "Ma'am, do you need to talk to me privately?" "You're smart, Zeke!" Melissa smiled. "Actually... it's nothing much. It's just what we agreed on before. We need to change your and Lina's fake marriage certificate into a real one!" Zuko's eyes widened, surprised by the sudden proposal.

"What's wrong? Aren't you happy?" Melissa couldn't stop smiling. "Zeke, I'm officially announcing that you've passed my test!"

Zuko stood frozen, sensing something off about her smile but unable to pinpoint it. Nevertheless, he was relieved that she was willing to make his marriage to Lina official.

Suppressing his excitement, Zuko calmly said, "Thank you... mom."

Melissa became even happier upon hearing the address change.

"But Zeke, I have one more thing." She looked at him seriously. "No matter what, we should invite your parents to come and discuss your and Lina's wedding plans with them! How about that?" Zuko felt both amused and exasperated.

Just then, Lina returned with Jesse, mirroring Zuko's amusement and exasperation upon hearing the conversation.

"Mom, actually, he-"

"Hey, Lina, just listen to your mother!" Jesse interjected, worried that his daughter wouldn't agree. "Let Zeke's parents come for a visit! Even if he's marrying into our family, we still need to meet his parents, right?"

"Zeke, don't worry!" Melissa continued. "We won't mistreat them when they come!"

"That's right!" Jesse chimed in. "We'll cover their travel expenses! It's several trips by train from Jangasas to Centrolis. We'll get them first-class seats!"

"Dad, Mom!" Lina stomped her foot in frustration.

Zuko gently held her hand, smiling sincerely as he looked at Jesse and his wife. He said, "Sir, Ma'am, why don't... you come to Centrolis instead?"

Chapter 1119

Chapter 1119

Three days later, Jesse and Melissa were chauffeured to the airport in luxury cars and guided onto a gleaming private plane by professional and enthusiastic flight attendants. It felt like a dream to them. Little did they know, this was just the beginning of their fantasy.

As they entered Hamerton Manor, their words fell short in describing the grandeur before their eyes. The well-dressed butler courteously led the way, and they followed in awe.

"Honey..."

"Sweetheart?"

"Quick, pinch me!"

"I'm pinching you..."

"Then why don't I feel any pain?"

Jesse was momentarily perplexed before he suddenly felt a burning sensation on the back of his hand! He realized he had been pinching his right hand with his left hand, and he almost let out a yelp!

"Dad, mom!" Dave, who followed behind, felt like he was walking on clouds with every step. "Is Lina... marrying into a wealthy family?"

"I heard my brother-in-law's name isn't Zeke but Zuko Hamerton!

"I heard he's a Count in Southeast Aciatic!

"Mom, dad, with my sister marrying so well, can I have my way in Centrolis then?"

"Shut up!" Jesse and Melissa shot him a stern look almost simultaneously. "Stop talking nonsense! You're embarrassing your sister!"

"I was just joking..." Dave scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.

His sister had privileges he did not.

She could travel on Door Guardian's exclusive private plane, while he could only fly with their parents.

Nevertheless, this treatment was unlike anything he had ever experienced in his life.

Dave smiled. Everything in this villa was brimming with novelty for him.

Meanwhile, Zuko led Lina into his own residence.

Previously, his father lived in Zen Residence. When Zuko grew up, his father planned and built a private villa, Zest Garden, for him on the adjacent empty land. Today, Zest Garden welcomed its first mistress in over 20 years.

Lina changed her clothes and emerged from the dressing room. The stylist beside her showered her with compliments on her natural beauty, but Zuko couldn't take his eyes off her. Lina felt a touch of nervousness. She held the hem of her dress and realized her palms were sweaty. Worried about staining the white fabric, she quickly let go.

Zuko noticed her unease and approached her, embracing her gently. "Don't worry. My parents are laid-back people. We don't have many rules in our family." "Mm." She bit her lip and nodded.

Today, she exuded a calm, gentle aura like a soft white rabbit.

A strange wave of warmth coursed through Zuko's body. He leaned closer, catching a whiff of the sweet fragrance on her. Unable to resist, his lips drew near...

Lina extended her small hand, stopping him with a smile and a meaningful look.

Only then did Zuko notice the tactless stylist standing beside them. "You're no longer needed here. You can leave."

The stylist froze, about to utter some flattery, but a cold glare from Zuko silenced them, and they exited the room.

When Zuko turned back to face Lina, his tender gaze overflowed with honey-like sweetness.

Lina smiled lightly, her heart pounding. She was pulled into his embrace just like that...

"I want to marry you tonight," Zuko said huskily. "Do you understand what I mean?"

Lina blushed and shook her head, pretending not to understand the emphasis he put on the word "tonight".

There was still some time before the official meeting of the parents.

Zuko was afraid Lina would get bored, so he held her hand and took her on a stroll in the yard.

"The design of this Zest Garden of yours is quite interesting, huh?" Lina looked around and smiled. "This kind of vintage design is not seen much nowadays. And the main building is in Baroque style with some color tones reminiscent of the Renaissance period..."

"You're interested in my house?" Zuko raised an eyebrow. "Then move in soon, and you can study it every day."

"It's not just your house that interests me. I'm interested in all houses!" Lina said softly, "It's just that I've drawn a lot of designs, but I've never had the chance to put them into practice. It's a pity."

Zuko frowned slightly, and a thought suddenly flashed through his mind.

The Thompson Group was planning to build a film and television base in the southern suburbs.

The project involved a huge investment and various stakeholders. It did require a passionate and capable designer to draft and modify the design.

Nicholas had invited the international architect master, Sam, to take charge of it.

If Lina could work with Sam and participate in this project, it would enhance her abilities and naturally bring her to Nicholas and Linda's attention! This idea excited Zuko immensely!

"Lina, there's actually an opportunity that you can seize."

"What is it?"

"It's..." Zuko could not explain it in a few words, and the butler came to call them to the main hall just then.

He could only smile and shrug. "After I entertain our parents, I'll bring you the introduction to that project later!" "Okay."

Zuko paused and whispered softly, "Lina, having another pair of parents to dote on you is a good thing, right?" Lina paused. She thought that he was talking about her future in-laws.

Chapter 1120

Chapter 1120

Lina blinked and nodded, her smile light. "Of course."

"So, you're okay with having an extra set of parents who dote on you?" Zuko asked.

"What do you mean?" Lina blushed, grasping his arm and speaking softly. "I know your parents are kind, but I never expected them to love me like their own daughter." "Lina, that's not what I meant..." Zuko paused.

"I understand! Don't worry," she said mischievously. "I'll respect and honor them as if they were my own parents, no matter what!"

Zuko felt a bit helpless, realizing his hints had no effect.

Just then, the butler approached respectfully and invited them to the main building.

The atmosphere during dinner was relaxed. Initially unsure where to sit, Jesse and Melissa were nervous and struggled to handle their cutlery.

But as Cordelia and Zephyr's easy-going nature influenced them, they began to relax, speaking more freely, and their tense expressions eased into smiles.

However, there was a mix of flattery and reverence in those smiles.

Melissa, in particular, continued to raise her glass for toasts despite her poor health. Unaccustomed to drinking red wine, she was already feeling dizzy after three glasses.

Jesse worried, but he couldn't stop her. He knew her attempts to please and toast were all to ensure a better life for Lina in the Hamertons.

No mother wanted her daughter to suffer in her in-laws' home, and every mother understood that no matter how well a mother-in-law treated her daughter-in-law, she would never consider her as her own daughter.

Seeing Melissa struggling with alcohol, Cordelia immediately arranged for servants to assist her to the guest room.

As Melissa was supported out, she continued to smile and slurred, "I'm not drunk, I'm not drunk."

Lina felt embarrassed and quickly followed her mother, but she heard her mumbling something in her sleep-like state as she supported her.

"Maybe... Maybe her family still has relatives who can help... find her family... find her family, then I can die without regrets..."

"Mom?" Lina was stunned. "What are you saying?"

"She didn't say anything!" Jesse forcefully grabbed Melissa's arm and pushed Lina away. "Lina, I'll take care of your mother. Go back and continue eating!"

"But-"

"Don't keep Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton waiting!"

Lina felt it would be impolite to run out like this, especially since it was her first meeting with her future in-laws. She nodded and reluctantly went back.

However, Melissa's words haunted her thoughts, causing her mind to be troubled.

In the following days, Jesse and Melissa continued to stay with the Hamertons. They marveled at the numerous houses within the manor, realizing that even if they stayed for a day in each, they would not be able to experience them all.

During their leisure time, they took walks around the manor, appreciating the beautiful scenery and enjoying life. It felt like time had slowed down.

In the past, they had been too focused on running their shop and earning money to support their children. They had never lived for themselves like this before.

With daily chores behind them, their minds began to wander. Jesse held his wife's hand, his eyes slightly reddened as he looked at her, wanting to say something, but it felt like something was blocking his throat, preventing him from uttering a single word.

"Sweetheart, I've been thinking these days..."

"Don't think about anything," Jesse said softly. "Considering your health, you shouldn't ponder too much."

"I'm not overthinking!" Melissa said seriously. "I've thought it through... I was thinking, since our future in-laws are so capable, maybe they can help Lina find her family?"

"What?" Jesse was shocked.

Was that not her greatest fear-the exposure of Lina's birth?

Did she not hate it when others said Lina was not their biological daughter?

How could...

"Are you out of your mind? Why are you looking at me like that?" Melissa rolled her eyes. "Jesse, I don't have much time left, and while I'm still alive, I want to make the best arrangements for our daughter!"

"But she's doing fine now, isn't she?"